Hustle through the storms
OPINION: I'm unashamedly including in this op-ed a plug for one of Agri-Women's Development Trust's (AWDT's) programmes.
Farmers can join four out of 13 workshops. Workshops options include:
What does good winter grazing look like?
Join DairyNZ environment and water specialist Justin Kitto to hear about the latest changes to wintering regulations. The workshop will visit two local properties in North Otago to see how different farm topography and soil affect wintering management. The session will provide advice on good wintering practices, and an opportunity to discuss successful wintering strategies with local farmers.
Reproduction - findings from Waimate
Vet Ryan Luckman and local farmer Ben Smith will share advice on how to lift reproduction. Ryan will also share insights on data from local farms, including 45 farms using cow collars.
Milk Futures - the highs and lows
Stuart Davidson and Julia Jones from NZX will discuss how milk futures work, and how they can help you to build business resilience. You will also hear from a farmer on their experience and advice, from using milk futures.
Greenhouse gases on farm - more than just hot air
Ravensdown's chief scientific officer Dr Ants Roberts and senior farm environmental consultant Nicole Wheadon will discuss the challenge of knowing and reducing your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They will cover knowing your GHG numbers and practical strategies to help reduce emissions.
Farmers are landlords too - managing on farm housing
Rural tenancy specialist and dairy farmer Rebecca Smith will discuss landlord requirements under new laws, and how property management services can help farmers meet their obligations and manage rental properties.
The pros and cons of cow collars and tags
Join a farmer panel session and hear from cow technology providers. The session will cover:
- the benefits of cow collars and tags
- their suitability for New Zealand farming systems
- the technology available, its cost and durability.
Building the workforce we want - how do we find and keep great people
This workshop will be led by Jane Muir, lead advisor for people at DairyNZ, and David Browne, director of legal and human resource services at Business South. They will share insights into:
- what has the biggest impact on attracting workers
- why we might need to change our jobs
- how Workplace 360 can help improve your working environment
- how to devekop good working relationships.
Other workshops
Other workshops you can attend cover these topics:
- flexible milking
- getting into or out of farming - progressing through the dairy sector or transitioning out of it
- how technology can help you get on top of paperwork
- how plantain can help achieve your environmental goals
- the benefits of farm planting
- opportunities and options for non-replacement calves.
To find out more about SIDE, and register, visit www.side.org.nz
